NASCAR has updated its wet weather tire rules for short oval tracks to allow teams to decide for themselves when to switch from wet to slick tires during a race.
NASCAR had been dictating when the field makes the change, and requiring non-competitive pit stops for safety, but the choice will now be largely be up to the teams.
The wet tires will still only be used on damp tracks, not during significant rain. If NASCAR declares the track wet at the start of the race, all of the teams will still start on wet tires, but can change to slicks whenever they like during competitive pit stops. If the declaration happens during the race, NASCAR will issue a caution and teams will be able to decide if they want to switch to wet tires. If pit road is deemed too damp and unsafe, there will be non-competitive pit stops for the cars that come in, which will rejoin the field in the same order they entered behind any cars that stayed out on slicks.
The last oval race that featured wet tires was at New Hampshire, which started under the wet weather policy but switched to dry after 40 laps.
“We always listen to fan and industry feedback, and if there’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference that benefits the racing, we won’t waste time acting on it,” NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell said. “Giving teams the freedom to make their own calls in wet-weather situations on ovals is another example of how we’re working to improve and put on the best possible show for our fans.”
The weather forecast suggests rain could impact the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race on Friday night, but is currently clear for Thursday night’s truck race and Saturday’s Cup Series race. The only other ovals left this season that qualify for the wet weather policy are Phoenix and Martinsville. Bristol also happens to be the track where wet tires were first tested for oval use in 2024.
